“Within a week of my sister having her baby, DCP were involved and it became a question of ‘who can look after him’,” Ms Rollins said.

“I grew up in care myself, away from family, and just wish I had that connection to my family. I knew instantly that I was going to take care of him.

“I was lucky in that my old boss was there when the decision was made to take on my nephew. By the end of that night, they helped me source a cot, everything you can think of that a baby needs.”

And so began her kinship carer journey – combining caring for her nephew with her full-time job as an Assistant Manager at a grocery store.

Ms Rollins is a finalist in the Kinship Carer of the Year Awards category at the 2026 SA Child Protection & Family Support Awards, recognised for stepping up at a pivotal moment in her nephew's life and ensuring he grows up safe, loved and connected to family.

“To begin with it was a huge adjustment, but now I couldn’t imagine life without him,” Ms Rollins said.

“He is such a blessing. He’s such a happy, chilled baby and since starting childcare has become a real social butterfly.

“I like to call him my built-in bestie.”

When told she had been nominated in the Kinship Carer of the Year category or the awards, Ms Rollins said she cried tears of joy.

“It’s hard because I’m living it every day and I do self-doubt how I’m going sometimes. To have someone from the outside say that you are doing enough, you are doing a good job, it meant a lot.

“My kinship care worker framed the nomination for me and I look it often with tears of joy in my eyes.”

Winners across 10 categories, including foster carer of the year, volunteer of the year and a lifetime achievement category, will be announced at the awards event on Friday 9 October at Adelaide Oval.

For more information about the awards, visit www.childprotection.sa.gov.au